Glossary

Glossary of Terms

ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution):
A range of processes—such as mediation, arbitration, and negotiation—used to resolve conflicts outside of traditional court proceedings. ADR aims to find mutually agreeable solutions efficiently and confidentially.

AI (Artificial Intelligence):
Computer systems or software that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence, such as pattern recognition, decision-making, and language understanding. In workplace conflict management, AI can help analyze data, identify trends, and suggest solutions.

AI Governance:
The frameworks, policies, and practices that guide the responsible use of AI technologies. AI governance ensures compliance with laws and ethical standards, manages risks, and promotes transparency and fairness.

Ai-Enhanced Conflict Ecosystem™ (ACE™):
A proprietary five-part system developed by ADR Architects™ to assess, design, augment, apply, and advance conflict management solutions using both ADR expertise and AI technology.

Conflict Landscape Assessment:
A comprehensive review of an organization’s current conflict management policies, processes, and culture. This assessment identifies strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement.

Conflict System Mapping:
The process of visually and structurally outlining how conflicts are reported, triaged, escalated, and resolved within an organization. Mapping helps clarify roles, documentation flows, and prevention strategies.

Ethical AI Opportunity Analysis:
A review of how AI can be safely and ethically integrated into conflict management systems, including identifying areas where AI can support mediation, training, and decision-making.

Mediation:
A voluntary, confidential process in which a neutral third party (the mediator) helps disputing parties communicate and negotiate to reach a mutually acceptable resolution.

CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) Negotiations:
Discussions between employers and labor unions to establish or renew agreements regarding wages, working conditions, and other employment terms.

Executive Conflict Coaching:
Personalized guidance for leaders and managers to help them navigate and resolve workplace conflicts effectively, improve communication, and strengthen team dynamics.

Triage:
The process of prioritizing and categorizing conflict cases based on urgency, severity, and type, to ensure timely and appropriate resolution.

ACE™ Blueprint for Conflict Management:
A detailed, customized plan outlining the design and implementation of integrated conflict management systems, including recommendations for risk mitigation and a roadmap for organizational change, also referred to as Conflict Architecture.

Human-Centered AI:
An approach to AI design and deployment that prioritizes human judgment, ethics, and discretion. AI is used to support—not replace—human decision-makers.

Systems Thinking:
A holistic approach to problem-solving that focuses on redesigning the underlying systems and processes that create conflict, rather than just addressing individual disputes.

Mediation Certification:
A formal training program (often 40 hours or more) that prepares individuals to serve as mediators, including instruction in conflict resolution techniques and the initial certification for most mediators in United States.